Reporting and analysis on politics, elections, government, power, and public policy in South Korea and the wider world.
Reporting and analysis from Breeze in Busan
Desk Focus
This desk focuses on public institutions, power, elections, and policy impact, with reporting and analysis that connects political decisions to civic life.
A new era of U.S.–China rivalry is forcing Washington to reconsider how it deals with North Korea. No longer just a threat, Pyongyang may now serve as a geopolitical disruptor—one that weakens Beijing’s regional grip.
The Alaska LNG pipeline promises energy cooperation but delivers long-term carbon liability and fiscal exposure. With a climate bill potentially reaching $5 trillion, Korea must see the deal for what it is: a trap, not a partnership.
As the United States doubles down on reshoring and global supply chains fracture along geopolitical lines, Korea faces a stark choice: continue riding the waves of export dependency, or build the capacity to steer its own course. This moment demands not tactical diplomacy, but structural change.
Across democracies, far-right movements are gaining ground — not despite economic dislocation and inequality, but because of them. As liberal institutions fail to offer emotional resonance and material security, the vacuum is filled by nativist myths and authoritarian certainty.
South Korea’s democracy passed the test—barely. To avoid the next constitutional crisis, the nation must rethink how power is distributed, monitored, and restrained.
South Korea’s legal and bureaucratic systems remain disproportionately shaped by a narrow academic elite and a fast-tracked path to unchecked authority.
As private platforms shape access to jobs, healthcare, and food, those without digital visibility are increasingly left behind. Public platforms offer a way to ensure dignity, equity, and inclusion in the age of algorithms.
The U.S. has signaled concerns over South Korea’s security choices with its ‘Sensitive Country’ designation. Will Seoul gamble on nuclearization or invest in AI and regional diplomacy for long-term stability?
As North Korea expands its nuclear arsenal and U.S. foreign policy shifts, calls for South Korea’s own nuclear program are growing. But is nuclear armament really the best path forward?
Trump introduces the "Gold Card" visa, allowing foreign nationals to buy U.S. green cards for $5M. The EB-5 program is abolished—what does this mean?
For decades, Japan has been known for its stability, but beneath the surface, the nation faces a deepening crisis. One-party dominance by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), rising income inequality, youth unemployment, and economic stagnation are pushing Japan towards long-term decline.
The streets of Seoul come alive with the glow of K-pop lightsticks and the rhythmic chants of young women leading the charge for change. Amidst the banners and coordinated choreography, a striking pattern emerges: these protests are overwhelmingly driven by young women in their twenties, while their male counterparts remain a quieter presence, often relegated to online discussions or absent altogether. It is a stark departure from the gender-balanced activism of South Korea’s past, raising profo
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